Data Center Lead

Data Center Lead

Location:

Columbus, OH

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Lead to oversee large-scale fiber optic infrastructure projects within mission-critical data center environments. This role will provide hands-on leadership for high-density fiber splicing, optical testing, quality control, crew coordination, and day-to-day field operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong fiber optic expertise, leadership experience, and the ability to manage field teams while maintaining strict quality, safety, and data center standards.

Site Leadership

Lead and supervise on-site fiber splicing and testing crews.

Coordinate daily field activities from project kickoff through closeout.

Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and according to project specifications.

Provide technical and operational guidance to field technicians and splicers.

Oversee optical testing using OTDR, OLTS, VFL, and fiber characterization equipment.

Review and interpret test results, including SOR files.

Ensure fiber links meet required insertion loss and return loss specifications.

Identify and troubleshoot issues such as optical link failures, macrobends, dirty connectors, and other fiber-related problems.

Maintain accurate splicing records, testing documentation, and quality reports.

Conduct site-specific risk assessments and identify potential safety or operational concerns.

Ensure teams follow data center security, safety, PPE, and facility protocols.

Recommend and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Maintain compliance with clean-room and critical-facility requirements.

Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for project stakeholders, facility representatives, vendors, and other trades.

Coordinate with engineering, operations, installation, procurement, and project management teams.

Resolve field issues, questions, and concerns efficiently.

Support operational improvements and changes throughout the project lifecycle.

Develop and manage daily crew schedules and work plans.

Track project progress against the baseline schedule.

Maintain splicing matrices and daily progress reports.

Utilize project management and reporting tools to monitor project status and deliverables.

Ensure documentation is accurate and completed throughout the project lifecycle.

Strong supervisory and team leadership skills.

Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and customer service abilities.

Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and meet strict project deadlines.

Strong hands-on knowledge of fiber optic splicing and testing.

Experience with OTDR, OLTS, VFL, and fiber characterization.

Ability to interpret optical test results and troubleshoot fiber performance issues.

Experience with high-fiber-count ribbon splicing.

Knowledge of single-mode and multimode fiber deployments.

Understanding of data center fiber infrastructure and network architectures, including spine-and-leaf environments.

Familiarity with data center hot-aisle/cold-aisle protocols.

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Windows, and Google Workspace.

Experience with fiber testing and reporting software such as EXFO Fast Reporter and VIAVI.

Comfortable working with project management, documentation, and reporting systems.

Work will be performed primarily within active data center environments and remote office settings.

Travel to various field locations may be required, including potential overnight stays.

Must be comfortable working around active equipment, server racks, overhead cable pathways, and raised floors.

Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods.

Must have the physical dexterity to safely navigate confined or restricted areas within data center environments.

Must follow all applicable site security, PPE, safety, and facility requirements.

Join a team where you can build your career while working on challenging, large-scale infrastructure projects. You'll have opportunities to develop your technical and leadership skills while working in a safety-focused environment with hands-on training and strong operational support.